The moment Lina entered the ballroom, every eye turned toward her.
Daniel couldn't believe what he was seeing.
The woman he had abandoned just days ago was now walking confidently beside Adrian Cole—the most powerful businessman in the city.
Vanessa gripped Daniel's arm tightly.
"This must be some kind of joke," she whispered.
But it wasn't.
Lina walked directly past them without even glancing their way.
The cold indifference stung more than any insult.
Daniel stepped forward.
"Lina."
She stopped.
Slowly, she turned around.
For a moment, their eyes met.
But the warmth that once existed between them was gone.
Completely gone.
"Congratulations," Daniel said awkwardly.
Lina looked at him calmly.
"Thank you."
Vanessa forced a smile.
"We didn't expect to see you here."
Adrian stepped forward slightly.
"Of course she's here," he said coolly.
"She's my fiancée."
The word hit Daniel like a punch.
Vanessa's smile twitched.
Adrian wrapped an arm gently around Lina's waist.
"And soon," he added,
"She'll be my wife."
The silence that followed was heavy.
For the first time since the betrayal…
Daniel realized something terrifying.
He hadn't just lost Lina.
He had lost someone far more valuable than he ever understood.